Hyundai hasn't buried hydrogen yet - on the contrary, with the new Hyundai Nexo 2026 it shows that the fuel of the future still has plenty of life left. And the design? The Pontiac Aztek would be proud.
New ones Hyundai Nexo 2026 is not just an evolution – it is a revolution in a stylish SUV package. Based on the concept Initium, which we first saw in October 2024, is now coming to production with a new design identity – Art of Steel.
Under the hood lies a significantly more powerful powertrain than in the previous generation. The new hydrogen fuel cell, together with the electric motor, develops 255 hp (190 kW), which is considerably more than 181 hp (135 kW) in the old model. The result? Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h 7.8 seconds (previously 9.2 s) and maximum speed 179 km/h (111 mph).
Instant bonus: charging only takes 5 minutes, if you can find a hydrogen station. It goes into the tank now 6.69 kg of hydrogen, which enables the reach 700 km (435 miles) after the Korean test cycle.
Dimensions that breathe spaciousness
With length 4750mm, width 1865mm and wheelbase 2790mm, the new Nexo is not only more athletic, but also more SUV-like. Compared to its predecessor, it is longer by 78 mm, wider for 5mm, but the wheelbase remains unchanged – meaning it's roomier without sacrificing agility.
Customers can choose between 18- and 19-inch wheels, depending on taste (and the height of the curbs in the neighborhood).
Technological living room on wheels
The interior of the new Nexa acts as a lounge for tech enthusiasts. A dual-screen layout with 2 x 12.3-inch screens it offers a futuristic ambiance, but Hyundai wisely kept the separate physical climate controls – thank you for understanding the real problems of life.
No more gearshift buttons on the center console – they have been replaced by steering column shifter, which opens up space for dual wireless charging (with a cooling fan!) and lots of storage space.
For audio lovers, here it is 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen, 12-inch head-up display, massage seats with leg supports and ventilated rear seats, which now lean back further. There's more head and shoulder room, and the rear doors open wider, meaning fewer acrobatics when getting in.
A look that divides opinions (and turns heads)
Although the back strongly resembles Pontiac Aztek, is the new Hyundai Nexo 2026 far more confident. Four-point lights front and rear, clean, robust design and of course – camera instead of mirrors (in the Korean version) – they create the feeling that we are looking at a concept, not a production model.
The double filler caps on both sides indicate that the vehicle can be filled from either side – a detail that will be appreciated by those who always miss the right side.
Conclusion: can hydrogen really rise from the dead?
Hyundai With the new Nexo, it's not appealing to the masses - it's appealing to pioneers. In a world where electricity reigns supreme, the Nexo is a reminder that there is an alternative. And a pretty interesting one at that.
S more powerful engine, better reach, fast charging and ultra-modern cabin, Nexo 2026 sets the standard for the future of hydrogen vehicles. Is that enough for mass success? Probably not – mainly because the hydrogen infrastructure (still) lags behind. And perhaps because this model will only be available (if at all) in California and South Korea.
The price has not yet been revealed, but considering that the predecessor cost around 60,000 USD, we can expect a similar or higher number. For a niche SUV that wants to be a symbol of a sustainable future, this makes sense. But will it find enough brave owners?
For now it remains an exotic, advanced and boldly designed alternative SUV, which brings the whisper of hydrogen to the world of electrification. And that whisper is getting louder.
